There are many ways to create a card design. Most often we start with a basic A5 card base and go from there. The creativity is in how we work within that 4.25" x 5.5" surface. Sometimes we change things up a little and create a tall card, a square card design or one with a unique fold but for the most part...it's that same old card base every time.
What if we decide to change that card base and make it into a unique shape? A shaped card design is always fun and unique and they are very easy to create. Designing a template is the key to making shaped cards over and over. Once you create the template, your shaped card design is a breeze and can be used endlessly. Yes, it does take a little time to create the template but you'lll be glad you did.
Today my tutorial is on how to create a template and I'll be showing you how to design a crown template that I created a few years ago. Once you've created one template, your imagination is the limit.
I find templates with basic shapes and straight lines are the easiest to create. To start with you need some cardstock the size you wish the card template to be. Do a little planning ahead on what size would be easiest. How does your design space itself out? The crown is symmetrical which makes it easy and needs a definite center point. It also divides into thirds so I've chosen to make my card from 12x12 cardstock that folds in half to form a 4" x 6" card base.
- Draw a line across the crown to divide it in half horizontally and do the same vertically.
- Draw a second horizontal line one inch from the top of the card template to mark the tops of the smaller triangle points.
- Divide the center horizontal line into thirds on both sides. You'll want to make a tick mark at 1", 2", 4" and 5" measurements along that line.
- To create the markings for the top of the smaller triangle points, mark off the 1/2" and 1 1/2" measurements from both the right and left sides.
Once you have your template markings laid out, use your ruler and a permanent marker (I've used a Copic Multiliner) to trace out the crown pattern and cutting lines.
Cut out the template and label it so that you don't throw it out.
Trace the pattern template onto a folded 4" x 6" card base and then cut it out.
Once your card is cut out you can alter it however you wish. I've created this card numerous times in a very feminine pink sparkly look so I thought I'd try a more spring themed natural shabby look this time. The new My Mind's Eye Pretty Things paper pad is just stunning.
To embellish my card I first added in some pretty trims and fabric tap across the bottom 2 inches of the card design. Then to finish it off, I adhered beautiful premade flowers, twine and added in the sentiment on a stamped linen tag. The final touch was to add a little shine and shimmer to glam up the crown a little. Diamond Stickles is one of my favorite ways to do this. I like to squirt a little onto some scrap paper and then smear on a very light coat with my finger. This prevents the paper from buckling with too much liquid and gives a lovely subtle look.
Thanks for stopping by the CLASSroom! Have a wonderful and creative weekend!
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